286 replies to this topic

[Tony123]

Tiger Boy, on Apr 7 2009, 03:12 PM, said:

OK - So if we say 7.30 Friday, Belgrave firestation.
That gives the guys like sam, who's doing Canberra, an extra day to get over the run, and there's likely to be less traffic that time of the day on Good Friday.
Those wanting to do the whole thing can clock up around 26kms, with those that don't want/need that long calling it short and heading back when they need to.
Potentially we can go and have morning tea afterwards, but I suppose we have to find someone that is open on a Public Holiday.
See you all on Friday.

See you at 7:30 on Friday

[supersam]

Sounds good see you then.

Also just remembered to get my entry in... Bib Number: 4442  

Early bird entry closes in 2 days!

[luckyguy]

See you all bright and early Friday morning at 7.30.

Cheers, Michael.

[Baz777]

Will try to make this, aches & pains permitting. Not sure of the Belgrave area, can anyone give me some idea as to where the firestation is in relation to the train station?

[Baz777]

Nabiya,
           Yeah, I'm having trouble registering too. Did you manage to get your's sorted? Typically I've left the early bird entry to pretty much the last minute! Will try again in the morning to see what happens.

[wombatoutofhell]

I registered last night for both me (4454) and Mrs Wombat (1647).  I did have trouble the first time I tried but it went through fine on the second.  Try a few times before giving up.  A coupld of years ago there was no online entry-I had to fax mine to get in before the earlybird date.  Maybe that's an option if you can't do it online.

[supersam]

Baz777, on Apr 8 2009, 09:09 PM, said:

Will try to make this, aches & pains permitting. Not sure of the Belgrave area, can anyone give me some idea as to where the firestation is in relation to the train station?

It's basically across the road (Belgrave Gembrook Rd).

I've put a marker in this GMap of the firestation carpark:
Belgrave Firestation Carpark

[PEEKIE]

I will be running against the old Puff Puff Reminder to self to enter before the early cut off!!

[walker1st]

organizers go to the extreme here

using old puffing trains as the pacing tool

this is not pure running anymore

[phYx]

I just entered. Took a few goes for it to work online - I hope they didn't charge my card 5 times! Haven't done any special training as usual, all I know is I will beat last year's time

[Tiger Boy]

OK everyone - I'll see you all at Belgrave at about 7.30 tomorrow.

[Tony123]

Tiger Boy, on Apr 9 2009, 09:02 PM, said:

OK everyone - I'll see you all at Belgrave at about 7.30 tomorrow.

Thanks for organising the run this morning TB - it was fantatstic conditions.

I am glad I ran the course, I feel much more relaxed about the race now that I have seen the hills.

Tony

[Janery]

Wish I could have made the training run but I'm afraid your pace would have been too fast for me.  I tried to run 11.5k this morning but failed miserably.  Got lost and confused and started to walk a bit and once I start walking my legs start to get sore and I have trouble running again.   I think my only option for finishing the race is to not stop running.

Also all those people who will be running back make sure you cheer me on when you pass me (bib number 1224) as you will probably be home before I even finish.

[Tiger Boy]

Janery - the pace wouldn't have been too fast for you.
The standard we apply to these runs is, that when the faster ones get a little too far ahead, then we double back to where the others are. It means that we continually regroup, and if the faster ones get a couple of extra kms into the legs, then so be it.
(Obviously on race day we won't do this though).
If we do other runs like this, then don't be afraid to jump on board and have a run.

[Janery]

Just been reading the information for runners and read this "Late runners may be diverted to an alternate off-road route between Menzies Creek and Emerald."

I will be absolutely gutted if that happens to me.  I want to do the course that the 'real runners' are doing.

[wombatoutofhell]

I wouldn't worry about it Janery.  Mrs Wombat will most likely go down that path (she's expecting 2 to 2 1/2 hours) and it doesn't concern her.  The only reason for it is so they can open the roads.  The distance remains the same.  As for the term "real runners" if you have entered and are there doing your best to run then I'd say that's real running regardless of your time and which route you ended up using.
Where did you run your 11.5km?  If it was in the Dandenongs it's quite easy to get lost.  I haven't trained there at all for that reason.  Oh and because I can't be bothered driving that far.  I might do one of the group runs sometime as I enjoy them but like you I'll be left far behind.  I do most of my hill training at Lysterfield Lake Park.
Just go out, enjoy the run and don't be too worried about being diverted to the alternative route.  If it happens it happens and it gives you motivation for next year!
Welcome to Coolrunning.

[Janery]

Looks like I will be running with Mrs Wombat.  And I do consider myself a real runner but its just a bit disheartening that because I am slow I just get ushered aside.  Its best I know now that it will probably happen so that I can prepare for it and it wont throw me on the day.  DIstances over 8km are still new to me so mentally they are tough as well and changes could lead to me giving up.  You are right, I really need to just enjoy it and to set my goal as to finish the race whatever course I am on and whether that is running all the way or walking part of it.

Oh, and I got lost in Croydon Hills.  I should have looked at the map again before I left.

[Tiger Boy]

Janery - I suspect that the alternate route for Puffing Billy will be the trail that runs alongside of the railway track. (I don't know this for sure, but that would be the logical place for it). This is the track we used on the training run. It pretty much follows the same course, except that you are closer to the tracks and not on the road.
Hey, and Croydon Hills can be tricky. I have meandered around there a few times wondering when I will get back to somewhere I recognise. And it's tough runnig there too. It's called Croydon HILLS, for a reason.
Importantly though - after the race, will you be coming back to Micawbers?

[Janery]

Is Micawbers a pub?  I am not sure what I will be doing afterwards.  How long would people be planning on being there? I probably wouldn't get there until 12.

[wombatoutofhell]

Yes Micawbers is a pub where they do a good coffee and cook decent food.  Nice atmosphere as well.  I'll be there about the same time as you as I'll be with Mrs Wombat.  Others are there later as they (for some weird reason that escapes me) run back as well.  I doubt very much that you'd be alone.

[Tiger Boy]

WOOH - Admit it, you really wanna run back with us as well  
Janery, the "after party" from Puffing Billy is almost as good as the run itself. I'm sure lots of the CR's only enter this race for the social side afterwards.
So we will look out for Mrs Wombat and Janery on the way back (although we'll probably not be moving as fast then, the return leg always seems a little slower).

[Janery]

I would love to run back, I don't think the body will let me.  

Didn't realise it was in Belgrave, so it wont be 12 that I will get there.   So do you all just turn up all hot and sweaty from the run?

[Tiger Boy]

Janery, on Apr 12 2009, 09:39 PM, said:

So do you all just turn up all hot and sweaty from the run?

Yep.
(as we're all hot and sweaty, nobody seems to mind, except maybe the other patrons).

[RobHall]

done 2 training runs and could only manage 50:06 for 12km on the flat and that is with the first 5km sub 4min km.  I struggled the today to do 42:35 for 10km with 4km sub 4:10 per km.  I am going to need the hand of God to push me along if I am to beat the first train.

[nabiya]

Baz777, on Apr 8 2009, 08:19 PM, said:

Nabiya,
           Yeah, I'm having trouble registering too. Did you manage to get your's sorted? Typically I've left the early bird entry to pretty much the last minute! Will try again in the morning to see what happens.

I tried about 20 times and it failed each time. Then I had to leave the country so I got someone else to do it for me. Got back into the country this morning and have an email from the PB crew with my entry details so I'm presuming it finally worked

[PonderStibbons]

I received my race packet yesterday  
Not long to go now

[Janery]

Got mine as well.

[RobHall]

did a training run for it and managed 29:11 for 5km, 40:02 for 10km (doh!) and 48:43 for 12km.  Heart rate averaged 186bpm.  I don't think I can push any harder than that, but hopefully the effort will make me faster on the day.

[wombatoutofhell]

RobHall, on Apr 18 2009, 01:48 PM, said:

did a training run for it and managed 29:11 for 5km, 40:02 for 10km (doh!) and 48:43 for 12km.  Heart rate averaged 186bpm.  I don't think I can push any harder than that, but hopefully the effort will make me faster on the day.

29:11 for 5km and then the next 5 km in about 11 minutes?  I'm hoping you did the first 5 in 19:15!
Good running-I wish I could do that in a race-I have no hope in training

[RobHall]

yes I was super quick, I'll just check my garmin, oops that was 19.11 for 5km.

[Janery]

I am hoping to be able to beat the third train

[bruncle]

Got my race packet last week and am looking forward to finally doing an event that I've wanted to do even before I was into running. Bit scared about the hills though!

[kezza13]

I'm in and have my race park.  Enjoyed my first GTR last year, beating the second train by about 17 secs. but was not sure whether to enter again as my brother decided to have a 50th the day before!  Anyway found out his do is during the day ------- so I'm in!

P. S  Actually only coming for the after race food and drinks at Micawbers.

[Aaron2Eighty]

Just got my race pack. Bib number 4320

Ive only been running for about 3 months now so this will well and truly be my first GTR. All the family are coming along for the train ride which sounded great 2 months ago but reading a few comments and seeing those altitude profiles im really starting to crap myself... I dont think there is anything i can tackle around my area to prepare me for the 2km climb at menzies creek. Ive seen a few comments around saying that their r4tk time was very simlar to their GTR time but im struggling to see how (other than the obvious shorter distance).

In comparison to the Bolte Bridge or perhaps the Collins St hill during the r4tk how steep are the climbs in the GTR? I managed both of them ok during the r4tk but im just really concerned the GTR is going to be 100 times harder.

My goal at this stage is to just beat the 2nd train home which all of my family will be on... Any idea on what sort of time i will need?

Cheers...Hope i see you all there :-)

[bigcarl]

i beat the 2nd train by about 2 minutes or so last year after running for 4 months and recording 69.21mins for run for kids. so you will definately beat the 2nd train looking at your times in your sig. the gtr hills arn't so much steep as keep going on for ever lol! the first hill is only slightly easier than the second and the third hill i think is the easiest. just cruze up the hills sprint down the downs and save some in the tank to run the last few kms fast because you can make up alot of time there.
      you will easily loose almost a minute just trying to cross the start line because the large crowd and you will easily loose minutes at the end because of their ingenius manual timing system that doesnt register your time until you get to the end of the finishing chutes. in other words if the chutes are full of people your time will be plus how ever long it takes to process the runners in front of you. when you finish the run try to enter the chute with the least ammount of people in it and this will improve your time lol!
     but for your best indication just go by your own stop watch time each year and try to beat this. thats my two cents.
apart from this dont take it too seriously and just enjoy the scenary. its a spectacular view you get of cardinia reservoir on your ascent of the menzies creek hill . the 2nd hill , but dont be to deturred by the ambulance they have sitting three quarters of the way up lol!! i think that you will be doing well do go under 68mins . best of luck and hope you enjoy the run, its definately my favourite after the run for kids. cheers carl.

[falknis]

this wiil be my first gtr also so I don't know what to expect but just reading a few of these comments I am fairly confident that I can beat the first train, I am lucky as that I live in Dromana I can utilise Arthurs Seat hill for my hill climb training so I am thinking that the menzies creek hill should have nothing on Arthurs Seat. "I hope"

[windcrusader]

Hi Everyone,

I'm entered in the GTR for the second time this year. It is my comeback race after an extended injury layoff. I ran a practice of the course on Sunday with a friend and I am now feeling much more confident about it. I'm aiming for a sub 60, and maybe just maybe I might give the train a run for its money.

Anyway, I ran the course with my RS800SD on Sunday and thought I would upload the altitude/distance trace for those interested. As you can see the major climb is just before the second rail crossing at Menzies creek. It's pretty steep but once your are through it then it's plain sailing through to the finish. My tip would be to run like a madman (woman) to get to Menzies creek and then try to hold on through to the finish through the mostly downhill final sections...

Attached Files

•  pb_altitude.png   15.03K   32 downloads

[Tiger Boy]

windcrusader, on Apr 21 2009, 09:35 AM, said:

My tip would be to run like a madman (woman) to get to Menzies creek and then try to hold on through to the finish through the mostly downhill final sections...

Can't quite agree with that. After Menzies Creek, you have the long descent, and at the bottom there is a sharp turn and then you hit the long grind up into Emerald. If you've spent all the bikkies getting to Menzies, and have nothing left for the climb to Emerald you could come horribly unstuck.
Once you are through that crossing, if you are still ahead of the train you are in with a big chance, so long as you can hold onto your form, paricularly on the "cross country" bit on the final approach.

[falknis]

I think I might have to change my over confident attitude after reading the gradient graph there, might be a bit tougher than I had first imagined, 300 metres is a fair altitude and this looks to be a pretty good challenge for my standard. anyway looking forward to this one and will endeavour to meet some of you guys and girls.
cheers
Jonathan Bowles    

[Tiger Boy]

falknis - I have beaten the train the lst 2 years, and consider myself a good chance to beat it again this year. You are a much faster and stronger runner than me, and should comfortably beat the train.

[EatEm]

Don't underestimate the decent after the second crossing or the climb up to Emerald ... all your hard work can come undone if you back off too much .....

[falknis]

hope your right TB, I am thinking the key would be getting a good starting position in a race like this so you don't have to duck and dive off heels for the first 1 or 2 km's like some other bigger races cause there is always people up the front that just simply should not be there. anyway my Bib No. is "4101" for this run. hope to catch up either at the start or after the race.
Cheers.

Edited by falknis, 21 April 2009 - 07:09 PM.

[zandrsmum]

RobHall, on Apr 19 2009, 12:23 PM, said:

yes I was super quick, I'll just check my garmin, oops that was 19.11 for 5km.

I was hoping the first times were right, that would make the second 5k really easy! After seeing that graph, definately thinking I'll meet your wife for coffee mid way. Good luck with the rest of your training. K

[Baz777]

Just got an email stating that entries have closed for this year's race and that I haven't entered. Thing is, I got my race pack last week! I'm guessing it's a glitch in the system, but has anyone else got the same email?

[Tiger Boy]

Baz - Maybe give the organisers a call and get it fixed up. You don't want to be mucking around with that sort of thing on race day.
I got my email last night as well, but mine confirmed I was in the race.
Also, for anyone bringing passengers, we need them to be at least 150kg each, or to bring the difference with them in the form of luggage etc. The more weight on that train, the more it will struggle up those hills (like us), and give us more chance to beat it. Also, anyone prepared to impede the driver, park their car across the tracks, or generally find some other way to slow down the train would be greatly appreciated.

[zandrsmum]

I got both emails! One thanking me for entering and the other saying I have missed out. I am pretty sure that is because I have ended up with 2 person ID's for some reason. Baz, have you entered before under another number? K

[Tony123]

Just wondering what time you need to run to beat the train to the 2nd crossing(I think its about half way).  Reading through the thread it sounds as if you need to beat the train to the 2nd crossing to have any chance of beating the train to Emerald.  

Tony

[Cottoneyes]

Baz777, on Apr 21 2009, 09:11 PM, said:

Just got an email stating that entries have closed for this year's race and that I haven't entered. Thing is, I got my race pack last week! I'm guessing it's a glitch in the system, but has anyone else got the same email?

Got the same one as well, also got a few others after I entered saying how the deadline for early entry etc was approaching.  Got my pack last week as well, haven't opened it yet, the bug I've been battling has taken away the motivation for the run at this stage.  Will still be there but more of a training run.

Tiger Boy, you distract the driver pre-race and a few of us will unload the coal / wood from the train, that's the only way I'll beat the train.  

[RobHall]

Clarkey of CP answered this back on page 1.  "Last year I went through in 27m29s and beat it comfortably, I suspect it is somewhere between 27-29min most years."  So to beat it you need to aim around 4min per km.  I currently sit on the border line, l hope the adrenalin gets me through.


If CR's want to be identified why not do a big black texta CR on your tricep or neck so other CR's can pick you out. I'll do it somewhere

[Tony123]

Thanks RobHall, I should have read through a bit more carefully.

I am probably in 38:30 form for a flat 10km.  Not sure how this equates to a hilly 13.2km, hopefully it works out to 4min/km.

Tony